The original SUV

Next week, three Jeep models will be launched in India— Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT

Over the years, the brand went through many owners. In 1987, Chrysler bought it. In 2014, Chrysler became a subsidiary of Fiat. Today, the Jeep is part of FCA.

The Jeep was born during the Second World War, when the US Army contacted American auto companies, asking for a four-wheel-drive reconnaissance vehicle, to be used in the war. Three companies—American Bantam, Willys-Overland and Ford—made thousands of such vehicles, which played a major military role in the war.

The post-war period saw the rise of the Jeep as a recreation vehicle. With this, the number of models increased. At the same time, the Jeep was built under licence by manufacturers around the world, including Mahindra & Mahindra in India.

Over the years, the brand went through many owners. In 1987, Chrysler bought it. In 2014, Chrysler became a subsidiary of Fiat. Today, the Jeep is part of FCA.

Next week, three Jeep models will be launched in India: Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT.

As far as design is concerned, the Wrangler Unlimited is a direct descendant of the wartime Willys MB. Among other things, it has removable top and doors, which help turn it into an open-air 4×4 vehicle. It will be powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Expected price: Rs 30-40 lakh.

It is a luxury SUV with a hard-top. It will likely be launched in two variants—Grand Cherokee Limited and Grand Cherokee Summit. Both of these will be powered with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. Expected price: Rs 35-45 lakh.